College Comparison
Vanderbilt University vs WashU (St. Louis): Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
School
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Vanderbilt | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.3%wins | 12.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1560wins | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,946 | $62,982wins |
| Avg Net Price | $19,040wins | $22,117 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $91,565wins | $86,182 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 94.5%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.4%wins | 95.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,143 | 7,897wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out WashU on 6 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,040
WashU Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,982
- ✓Graduation Rate: 94.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,897
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.